Is this a Red Shouldered Hawk?

[Maestro]

I saw this hawk on my way to work last week. The sun really wasn't even up yet so the exposure is off plus the hawk would only let me take a shot through my windshield. It's a horrible shot but I think some astute birders cna still tell if I am correct or not. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/red_shouldered.jpg

[Vern]

That is what I usually call a Coopers Hawk. However, I think I need a hawk I.D. class. Looking at the field guides leaves me a little confused. Most of the images don't match what I see close enough for me to ever say for sure when it comes to Coopers, Sharp Shinned, and Red Shouldered. Even though a Red-tailed Hawk is probably the easiest....the ones in the guides are not colored and marked the same to what I see.

Doesn't help a lot either when there are so many variations among locations, within the same species, etc;

[Maestro]

I think it is a Cooper's Hawk as well. I haven't seen him in the area since either. :(

[Vern]

Well, I am begining to think all this time I may have been calling a Red-shouldered Hawk a Coopers Hawk. I have been looking at the field guides and have only came across one set of markings that may help. Just too many similiar features on some of these hawks for me to tell for sure.

I am going to post some photos and point out what I am looking at.

[Maestro]

Just when you had convinced! ;) Okay so after looking at your pics, I think this is again a Red Shouldered Hawk. What do you think? :)

[Vern]

That's because I was wrong:D:o Based on further examination and information from Perry.....I believe you have a Red-shouldered Hawk there.

I believe now, all those smaller, fast moving greyish hawks I see scootin' across the road and into the trees are the Coopers and Sharp-shin. The ones I never see sitting out in the open.